2011 In Review: Sydney Roosters

After an unexpected Grand Final appearance in 2010, big
things were expected from the Sydney Roosters in the 2011 NRL Season.

However
the drama began early with star five-eighth Todd Carney being charged with a
DUI before the season even kicked off. The
Todd Carney drama was not the only event that foreshadowed what was to come for
the Chooks in 2011, the 2010 Grand Finalists also failed to come away with a win
from two off season matches. Despite a poor lead up to the season the Roosters
looked good in their opening match of the season downing the Rabbitohs 40-29
despite being minus Todd Carney. Unfortunately for the Roosters and their fans
things began going downhill from there with the Roosters surrendering leads in
consecutive weeks to lose to an understrength Manly and the Bulldogs.

As the season progressed the Roosters struggled to put on
points, going ten matches without scoring more than two tries in a game. However,
the Roosters began to find form late in season - winning four consecutive matches
including a victory against the Minor Premiers the Storm and the defending
premiers the St George Illawarra Dragons. However despite the team finding
form, the off-field controversies continued with Todd Carney, Nate Myles and
Frank Paul Nuuasala breaking a two week booze ban and being stood down.

The Good

The Roosters finished off the season with four back to back to wins after a
poor start, team morale and discipline increased significantly in their final
matches of the season.

The Roosters Toyota Cup
side showed dramatic improvements during the
season, managing to win 11 matches in a row - a Toyota Cup record.The Bad

Off-field scandals involving star five-eighth Todd Carney caused the
Roosters headaches throughout the season, forcing coach Brian Smith to stand
him down for several seven matches throughout the season. To make matters worse
Carney battled a groin injury throughout the season and never appeared close to
returning to his 2010 form.

The Chooks also struggled with injuries
during the season forcing the NRL to allow them to exceed the second tier cap
in order to field a first grade team every week.

Best Players

Jake Friend went from strength to strength in 2011 to take out the Jack Gibson
medal for Roosters player of the year. The young hooker averaged over 40
tackles a game in 2011 and was a star for the chook every match.

Firebrand forward Jared Warwrea-Hargreaves
was another standout for the Chooks, bringing the mongrel back into to the
team's forward pack and becoming a player the opposition fears.Rookies

With injuries decimating the Roosters throughout 2011 Brian Smith was often
forced to call on some rookies with Brad Takairangi, Boyd Cordner, Lama Tasi
and Tinirau Arona showing the
most promise.